post op & something doesnt feel right

Had hardware removal of the L-3 - L-5 and a laminectomy of the L-5 S-1 because of a 6mm herniation with an impinged nerve about a month ago. Was feeling pretty good after surgery. Did everything I was told to do and not to do even though I was feeling good. About 2 weeks ago the pain started returning in my right leg. Saw the doc couple of days ago & he said it was normal. It doesnt feel normal. even the burning is starting to come back into the toes! can anybody help? does this sound normal to you? dont see the doc for 2 more months. Really got me bothered

Hopefully you are just suffering from some nerve pain due to the laminectomy at l5-S1. No doubt, some nerves were disturbed during the course of surgery. It is normal to feel better for the first ten days to 2 weeks and then to have some pain develop or return to the area.

It is a normal part of surgery to irrigate the surgical site with corticosteroids prior to closing. These usually take care of the very worst of the pain post surgery and take about two weeks to wear off. By this point, you are being a little bit more active, so the nerves are getting a work-out...and it can all come together to cause some pain.

Keep doing what you've been doing -- walk short distances often and avoid any bending or twisting at the waist, follow doctor's instructions perfectly and be patient. It can take many months for the nerves to calm down.

The following user gives a hug of support to teteri66:
groovygrandma (09-30-2012)